Getting hit by a car or hitting someone by a vehicle is nothing unusual. About 300 pedestrians are injured annually by cars in Canada.
So, what happens if you hit a pedestrian in Canada? The solutions depend on the causalities following an accident.
The reason also varies. Besides, not everything is in your control on the road. Perhaps the pedestrians were jaywalking, or maybe the drive was simply incautious.
Anyhow, there’re laws to sort issues regarding road accidents.
Here, you will know what you or close ones can do legally and medically after an accident. We will also discuss what happens if You hit a pedestrian in Canada.
5 Things to Do if Hit by a Car
If you’re slightly injured, the first thing is to stay calm and get to the safer side of the road. But you can get knocked as well. And that will cause cuts and bruises.
That’s pretty serious. In that case, you call someone from your family or friends. Yet, there’re a few other steps to take.
Don’t Let the Driver Leave and Call the Police
If you’re are in a condition to interact after the incident, request the driver to stay at the scene until you contact the police.
It’s very common that pedestrians tend to think they are fine, or they will be fine. And, most of the time, they end up finding out about injuries later in the day.
Drivers will stay if they’re good citizens and humans. While waiting for the police, take help the driver or other people for the first aid activities. After the police arrive, tell them everything in detail.
And, if the driver elopes, try noticing the number plate so you can file a claim.
Take Driver’s Information and Capture Photos
Until the police arrive, you need to collect information about the driver. That will include- their driver’s license, license number of the auto, and insurance data. Those are essential for a lawsuit.
If possible, take photos of the care and the entire scene. You might not be able to take pictures. For that, ask bystanders to take photos. Later, you can collect the photos to show the police.
Keep Copies of the Accident and Medical Report
The police report will contain details on all findings of the accident. Keeping a copy will help during the discussion with your lawyer. Also, collect all the medical reports.
And make sure the reports don’t lack any information. Otherwise, you won’t get exact medical compensation.
Open an Insurance Claim
You should make a call to the insurance company of the driver. They will want to know about the incident in detail.
Mention that you can show them the police report and medical report. It will help you to obtain the allocated payout for personal injuries.
Also, you can contact them before collecting any kind of report. It’s better to skip all the details and just notify them that there was a collision.
They will take care of the rest. Otherwise, you might not receive the allocated compensation.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
After the treatments and insurance call, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer ASAP. The lawyer will assist you in writing a letter to the insurance company.
Also, he can help to fight the case you filed for a driver who eloped or refused to give enough compensation money.
5 things You Should Do After Hitting a Pedestrian
Before anything, remember, you should not run away from the scene. It might not be your fault entirely. It’s better to face the situation and start sorting it out.
Seek Medical Attention & Help the Pedestrian
You should get out of the car to check in on the person you just hit. Help them to get up find a place to rest. Then call 911 and ask for medical help.
Keep Witnesses and Collect Information
Don’t drive away the eyewitnesses. If you’re fully responsible for the accident, the witness can talk on behalf of you.
Don’t Talk Much & Just Show Concern
Blaming the victim and defending yourself can cause more trouble. Take care of the person you just hit. The person might call the police.
So, remember this classic line- anything you say or do will be used against you.
Concluding Remarks
You might be a passerby for the incident. In that case, you can offer help to the injured person. Furthermore, if you choose to stay on the scene, make sure you take the information of the driver and the victim.Most importantly, take pictures. That will help a big deal once the police arrive. If you’re close one of the injured pedestrians, you can do everything I suggested to do after someone gets hit.
